Some airlines serve “potentially unhealthy water” to passengers, study finds – CBS News

Report on Aircraft Water Quality and Its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A recent study conducted by the nonprofit Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity highlights concerns regarding the quality of water served on commercial airlines. The findings emphasize the importance of safe drinking water in aviation, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Study Overview and Key Findings

The study analyzed over 35,000 water samples from 10 major and 11 regional U.S. airlines over a three-year period. The investigation revealed that some airlines serve water that may be “potentially unhealthy” to passengers, raising public health concerns.

Water Contamination and Health Risks

• 2.7% of water samples tested positive for total coliform bacteria, indicating possible contamination by disease-causing organisms.
• Escherichia coli (E. coli), a harmful pathogen, was detected 32 times across the airlines tested.
• Potential health risks include gastrointestinal illnesses and exposure to pathogens, posing a challenge to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Testing for coliform bacteria is critical as their presence signals possible contamination by pathogens, which compromises water safety and sanitation standards (SDG 6).

Regulatory Framework and Compliance

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR) in 2011, mandating airlines to test for coliform bacteria and E. coli, disinfect water tanks, and flush systems quarterly.
• Despite these regulations, enforcement appears limited, with few civil penalties imposed on airlines violating ADWR.

Airline Performance and Rankings

The study graded airlines on water quality, reflecting their compliance with health and environmental standards, thereby influencing SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 6.

Major Airlines Ranked Best to Worst

1. Delta Air Lines Incorporated (5.00, Grade A)
2. Frontier Airlines Incorporated (4.80, Grade A)
3. Alaska Airlines Incorporated (3.85, Grade B)
4. Allegiant Air Limited Liability Company (3.65, Grade B)
5. Southwest Airlines Company (3.30, Grade C)
6. Hawaiian Airlines Incorporated (3.15, Grade C)
7. United Airlines Incorporated (2.70, Grade C)
8. Spirit Airlines Incorporated (2.05, Grade D)
9. JetBlue Airways Corporation (1.80, Grade D)
10. American Airlines Incorporated (1.75, Grade D)

Regional Airlines Ranked Best to Worst

1. GoJet Airlines Limited Liability Company (3.85, Grade B)
2. Piedmont Airlines Incorporated (3.05, Grade C)
3. Sun Country Airlines (3.00, Grade C)
4. Endeavor Air Incorporated (2.95, Grade C)
5. SkyWest Airlines Incorporated (2.40, Grade D)
6. Envoy Air Incorporated (2.30, Grade D)
7. PSA Airlines Incorporated (2.25, Grade D)
8. Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation (2.15, Grade D)
9. Republic Airways Incorporated (2.05, Grade D)
10. CommuteAir Limited Liability Company (1.60, Grade D)
11. Mesa Airlines Incorporated (1.35, Grade F)

Airlines’ Responses and Commitments

• American Airlines asserts full compliance with EPA regulations and is reviewing the study findings.
• JetBlue follows EPA, FDA, and FAA guidelines and offers bottled water onboard.
• Spirit Airlines maintains a comprehensive testing and maintenance program aligned with EPA standards.
• Southwest Airlines regularly inspects water quality and uses municipal water sources that meet established standards.

These responses reflect ongoing efforts to uphold SDG 3 and SDG 6 by ensuring safe water consumption and hygiene for passengers.

Public Health and Sustainable Development Implications

Ensuring the safety of drinking water on aircraft is a critical public health issue that intersects with multiple SDGs:

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Preventing waterborne illnesses among travelers.
• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Providing access to safe and clean water in all environments, including transportation.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Promoting sustainable management and efficient use of water resources.

The study recommends passengers use bottled water and hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol instead of washing hands with aircraft water, highlighting the need for improved water safety practices onboard.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the importance of stringent water quality management in aviation to protect passenger health and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Enhanced regulatory enforcement, airline transparency, and passenger awareness are essential to advancing these objectives.

Report compiled with contributions from Alain Sherter and Sarah Ploss.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article highlights public health concerns related to potentially contaminated drinking water on airlines, which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and exposure to pathogens.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The focus on water quality aboard aircraft and compliance with water safety regulations directly relates to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Airlines’ practices regarding water testing, maintenance, and compliance with environmental standards reflect responsible management of resources and waste.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The article touches on regulatory frameworks and technological measures (testing, disinfection) to maintain water safety in the aviation industry.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

• SDG 3 – Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. The article’s emphasis on preventing illness from contaminated water aligns with this target.
• SDG 6 – Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. The article’s focus on water safety aboard airlines relates to ensuring safe drinking water in all contexts.
• SDG 6 – Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. The need for regular testing and disinfection of aircraft water systems supports this target.
• SDG 12 – Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle. The article’s discussion of compliance with EPA regulations and water safety protocols relates to this target.
• SDG 9 – Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies. The aircraft water system maintenance and testing protocols align with this target.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Presence of Total Coliform Bacteria in Water Samples: The article states that 2.7% of samples tested positive for total coliform, which is an indicator of potential contamination and water safety.
• Detection of E. coli in Water Samples: E. coli presence (32 instances) is a critical indicator of fecal contamination and water quality.
• Compliance with EPA Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR): The frequency and results of water testing, disinfection, and flushing (four times a year) serve as process indicators for water safety management.
• Airline Water Quality Ratings and Grades: The grading system (A to F) based on water sample testing results provides a measurable indicator of airline compliance and water safety performance.
• Frequency of EPA Civil Penalties or Violations: Although rarely levied, the presence or absence of penalties can indicate regulatory enforcement effectiveness.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cbsnews.com